A sky-high salary

March 26, 2013Updated: March 26, 2013 7:39pm

Photo: Courtsey Leadership California

Susan Muranishi

Susan Muranishi

Running a giant public agency requires ability, experience and dedication. No question that Susan Muranishi, the top administrator for Alameda County, has refined these skills in her 38 years on the job. But a $423,664 yearly salary? For life?

Her wages are another alarming example of the disconnect between executive pay and public trust. In an era of layoffs, additional taxes and fewer services, her towering salary will continue for years.

She's not alone. San Francisco police brass, BART executives, and other transit and utility executives have all retired with deluxe retirement pay though none of them is close to Muranishi's level.

There's nothing automatic about this. Her direct employers, the county's five elected supervisors, have voted to push her pay and pension into the stratosphere. "And she's worth every dime," said Supervisor Scott Haggerty. "We're lucky to have her."

Sorry, but we're not sold that the county's $2.4 billion budget and fears she'll be lured away justify such absurd compensation for public service.

Public employees in California are entitled to pensions for the years worked, with the vast majority collecting modest amounts. Still, pension systems are groaning under low investment returns and a reluctance by elected officials and unions to kick in more money to support future needs.

In response, the state adopted modest changes last year that over time may rein in the worst features.

These broad strokes are forgotten when gilded salaries are doled out at the top. Alameda County supervisors have done a huge disservice to good government and fiscal restraint. Voters shouldn't forget.